Sam Baker, alias Samiyam, is an instrumental Hip-Hop producer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is best known for his work with experimental producer, Flying Lotus, and his 8-bit Video Game inspired Hip-Hop beats. In 2008, Samiyam released his debut album, Rap Beats Vol. 1. The album was self-released. Each album cover, a magazine cut out covered in sharpie-drawn doodles, was custom created by Sam himself.

Coming out with one of the most anticipated and long-awaited albums so far on Brainfeeder is Samiyam aka Sam Baker. ''Sam Baker's Debut Album'' is 40 minutes of pure listening pleasure, a series of woozy, off-centre hip hop instrumentals drawing heavily on Baker's love of electronic funk but never in hock to it. Intensely detailed and carrying considerable emotional weight, this is not ''Rap Beats Volume 2'' but an album of fully-realised pieces of music which stand on their own without the need for an MC's intervention.

Coming out with one of the most anticipated and long-awaited albums so far on Brainfeeder is Samiyam aka Sam Baker. Sam Baker’s Album is 40 minutes of pure listening pleasure, a series of woozy, off-centre hip hop instrumentals drawing heavily on Baker’s love of electronic funk but never in hock to it. Intensely detailed and carrying considerable emotional weight, this is not Rap Beats Volume 2 but an album of fully-realised pieces of music which stand on their own without the need for an MC’s intervention.

Ann Arbor native, Samiyam (born Sam Baker) moved to Los Angeles in 2006. In his short time out West, he has become one of the city’s most progressive and recognized producers, a man who has spearheaded the revival of interest in instrumental hip-hop music over the last few years. Baker’s Rap Beats Vol.1 collection was the very first release on Brainfeeder. He has also collaborated with old friend Flying Lotus as Flyamsam as well as having releases on Hyperdub and Poo-Bah records.

Samiyam describes the work contained in his "debut album" simply as, “my favourite stuff” – and what could be better than that?

Samiyam - Lifesized Stuffed Animal

epic bell-age I know lol. Its the amount of jingles and Rhodes piano keys getting to you.

Samiyam - Escape

The more I listen to this the sicker it gets, I guess that's what dope music is meant to do, it gives you long-lasting euphoria even when it's finished, not a lil bit of wild excitement.

Samiyam Interview

Samiyam opening for Flying Lotus at the Echoplex 05/14/10

a little taste of Sam's set, definitely the other most banging of the night. Sam party rocked it like a true dj.